Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• SD-WAN vendors enjoy rave reviews from happy users

  Compared to data center SDN companies, SD-WAN vendors seem to have it easy, with a relative slew of satisfied customers eager to share their deployment stories. Continue Reading

• Assessing network availability monitoring tools for SMBs, larger networks

  Learn what features, licensing, support and maintenance options the leading performance and availability monitoring tools offer to SMBs and larger networks. Continue Reading

• Why OSPF isn't your best option when using DMVPN Phase 3

  Cisco's DMVPN Phase 3 protocol offers many benefits, but make sure you evaluate options before using Open Shortest Path First. Continue Reading

• Virtual wire network transport mission could increase SDN usage

  SDN's use as virtual wire to provide network transport could get the technology out of the data center to underlay SD-WAN better than Ethernet or IP and benefit optical networks. Continue Reading

• API growth forcing vendors to take notice or risk losing out

  The API is fast becoming a must-have in modern networking. But API growth is forcing vendors to rethink how they want their devices to be configured and managed. Continue Reading

• The best path to a hybrid cloud network architecture

  There are a variety of paths that lead to a hybrid cloud network architecture. Learn whether SD-WAN, WAN cloud exchange or some other option is best for your enterprise network.Continue Reading

• SDN can help unify wired and wireless campus networks

  Campus networks can be difficult to manage, especially with the continuing need to unify Wi-Fi and Ethernet networks. But SDN's centralized approach can improve security and QoS.Continue Reading

• Chit chat: The new team collaboration apps go mainstream

  Gone are the days of dial-up internet and ubiquitous AOL accounts, when Meg Ryan had mail and no one owned a smartphone. Yet, many years and seven iPhone generations later, email -- for all its frustrations and shortcomings -- still reigns as the ...Continue Reading

• Two factors affecting the deployment pace of SDN and NFV technologies

  Service providers deploy SDN and NFV technologies at different paces for two main reasons: issues with the organization's business case and slow-going standards progress.Continue Reading

• Will NFV standards address orchestration in the near future?

  NFV standards for orchestration are affected by the number of standards groups and service providers' individual approaches, says SDN expert Lee Doyle.Continue Reading

• Advanced network monitoring aids SDN deployments

  IT professionals can reach their advanced network monitoring goals with the aid of SDN deployments.Continue Reading

• Four infrastructure technologies to watch in 2017

  Enterprises have a lot to consider when evaluating the infrastructure technologies to deploy in the next 12 months. Which ones will make the grade?Continue Reading

• SDN poised to play major role in 5G networks

  Fifth-generation, or 5G, networks promise increased wireless capacity and speed with reduced latency. SDN architecture can help improve performance and scalability.Continue Reading

• Is it hybrid WAN vs. SD-WAN, or does SD-WAN help implement hybrid WAN?

  Expert Lee Doyle tackles the issue of hybrid WAN vs. SD-WAN. Although the technologies are separate, SD-WAN can make hybrid WAN deployment and operation easier.Continue Reading

• The ups and downs, ins and outs, of cloud application delivery

  Cloud application delivery is a pressing concern in IT operations today.

  Whether enterprise applications live in a private or public cloud, enterprise IT is still responsible for making sure employees can access the apps they need -- end of ...Continue Reading

• Carriers meet need for scalable, secure cloud network services

  As hyperscale providers like AWS dominate the cloud, carriers find their role in secure cloud network services for organizations in need of cloud connections.Continue Reading

• All about the evolution of Ethernet: How we got to GbE speeds

  The evolution of Ethernet continues and is offering up new tricks. Ethernet serves as an essential networking protocol, addressing each new set of networking challenges that comes along. Whether it's next-generation gigabit Wi-Fi or modern data ...Continue Reading

• MPLS routing undergoes change, as SD-WAN gains traction

  Enterprises are seeing cost-efficiencies as they transition their wide area networks to SD-WAN. What does this mean to MPLS routing?Continue Reading

• Gigabit Ethernet speeds: What's the impact of 2.5 and 5 GbE?

  Gigabit Ethernet speeds mean enterprises can boost wireless performance without actually replacing wiring. But there are still some considerations sys admins must makeContinue Reading

• Using BLE beacons and Wi-Fi technology for device tracking

  BLE beacons and Wi-Fi technology promise enormous potential for accuracy in location and tracking of wireless devices. But is one option better than the other?Continue Reading

• From Sonnet 18 to SD-WAN technology: An unlikely networking career

  From teaching Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 to taking on a major SD-WAN technology deployment: Senior engineer Phil Gervasi shares the major career pivot that brought him to networking.Continue Reading

• White-box switches save green, but they aren't for everyone

  While some networking pros say white-box switching is the 'next big thing,' others argue that's a myth that needs busting. As usual, enterprises must consider the business case.Continue Reading

• Integrate UC platform with business-critical SaaS for competitive edge

  By one current estimate, the average business operates across six different clouds. With many software-as-a-service platforms still unable to communicate with each other, enterprise workers must straddle the space between them -- leading to ...Continue Reading

• Defining SD-WAN benefits: Does better QoE make the list?

  The list of SD-WAN benefits often includes cost savings and better routing; does it also include better quality of experience compared to a traditional WAN?Continue Reading

• How to choose an IT operations analytics tool for your enterprise

  IT environments are extremely complex today and the amount of data they generate is immense. On top of this, IT environments are also constantly changing, and it is this combination of complexity and change that can make troubleshooting difficult ...Continue Reading

• Identifying the IT operations analytics product your enterprise needs

  This guide to IT operations analytics tools explains how ITOA works so networking pros can determine the most important features and assess vendor offerings.Continue Reading

• Juniper launches hybrid cloud network services on Amazon

  Juniper Networks is offering its MX router and SRX firewall on the Amazon cloud. Hybrid cloud network services are available on the Amazon Marketplace.Continue Reading

• Four top products leading the way in multicloud management

  In this multicloud review, see the top multicloud management products. How do they approach different cloud environments, and what separates them from each other?Continue Reading

• A comparison of the leading campus LAN switch vendors

  Expert Andrew Froehlich examines the factors that will ultimately help you determine which campus LAN switch vendors and types are most suitable for your environment.Continue Reading

• Three advances making NFV deployments better for the business

  NFV deployments made progress this year, thanks to three significant developments, but will they be enough to make NFV's business case more compelling among other industry changes?Continue Reading

• Seven criteria to consider before evaluating campus LAN switches

  Before you begin researching specific vendors and campus LAN switch types, take the time to understand the requirements and capabilities you need.Continue Reading

• Cloud-based networking meets changing infrastructure needs

  A growing number of network managers have their heads in the cloud, and that's a good thing. Cloud-based networking technologies are emerging to help solve a number of enterprise problems, and organizations are busy exploring what "the networked ...Continue Reading

• What SD-WAN architecture is best for your network?

  When looking for the right SD-WAN architecture to implement, it's important to consider your specific network and the traffic it experiences.Continue Reading

• WAN access options multiply when buying network services

  A new menu of WAN access options means companies have a wide variety of means to reach cloud and network services. But more choice also means more potential pitfalls.Continue Reading

• Advanced network technology expands enterprise options

  Buying network services may have been easier in the past when there were fewer --and more expensive -- types of connections. But now, advanced network technology gives enterprises many more options. When it comes to buying bandwidth and getting the ...Continue Reading

• Do I need campus switches in my enterprise?

  The role of campus switches depends on the demands of your organization. What are the important considerations to help you make the right choice on whether or not to deploy them?Continue Reading

• Next-gen 5G wireless technology means capacity is key

  New wireless generations roll out almost every decade. What does the upcoming 5G wireless technology have to offer, and how is it different from previous generations?Continue Reading

• Successful SD-WAN use cases begin with knowing your options

  We'll keep things simple: Software-defined WAN simplifies the WAN; enterprises aiming for successful SD-WAN use cases need simplified options; and, in this video, Nemertes Research analyst John Burke simplifies SD-WAN.Continue Reading

• The evolution of campus LAN switches in the enterprise

  The campus LAN switch is a fundamental component of networking. There is a lot to know about the roles these switches play in a modern enterprise network.Continue Reading

• CN Tower climbs heights with mobile engagement platform

  The CN Tower, Canada's tallest building, implements an Aruba mobile engagement platform to connect with customers.Continue Reading

• Pervasive security is needed to protect modern networks

  Pervasive security in place of layered security is needed to secure and defend modern networks from diverse cyber threats.Continue Reading

• NFV vs. VNF: What's the difference?

  NFV versus VNF: SDN engineer Darien Hirotsu explains the differences between network functions virtualization and virtual network functions.Continue Reading

• CCIE certification debate continues despite exam's SDN, cloud updates

  Despite Cisco's recent CCIE exam update -- with a new section covering network programmability, IoT and cloud -- some pros still say the gold standard has lost its luster.Continue Reading

• Data center interconnect market: Enterprises, providers fuel growth

  The data center interconnect market is poised for significant growth, thanks to a number of factors altering the IT landscape -- including the growing use of cloud services, the massive proliferation of data, the increasing adoption of ...Continue Reading

• Three technologies to increase the benefits of SDN and NFV

  Service modeling and orchestration, SD-WAN and open source are the three technologies gaining traction to increase the value and benefits of SDN and NFV.Continue Reading

• The white box switching market gets a closer look

  Following years of development, is the potential of the white box switching market finally being realized?Continue Reading

• Is satellite connectivity a realistic option for WANs?

  What you should know about satellite connectivity, satellite internet, and the costs and benefits of universally available links.Continue Reading

• What advantages will 400 Gigabit Ethernet bring to the data center?

  What are the use cases and advantages of 400 Gigabit Ethernet in the modern data center?Continue Reading

• SD-WAN architecture: What to know before you buy

  The hybrid WAN is here and this guide explains how to buy and build an SD-WAN architecture. Learn about key features and 'nice to haves' before you approach vendors and make an acquisition decision.Continue Reading

• Picking the best software-defined wide area network product

  The traditional hardware-driven wide area network was slow and expensive. It was just a matter of time -- and technology -- before the software-defined wide area network became a reality. The arrival of the SD-WAN, vendors said, means all that ...Continue Reading

• Understanding SDN components and where they're going

  What is SDN, and how does it differ from NFV? In part two of this series, IT expert Andrew Froehlich explains SDN technologies and where we can expect to see them in the future.Continue Reading

• How to buy the best application delivery controller for your firm

  An application delivery controller (ADC) sits between you and the web server farm to manage the traffic between you and any number of back-end servers. In other words, app delivery controllers control the delivery of the web application to you -- ...Continue Reading

• Four steps to make SDN and NFV proof-of-concept trials meaningful

  The results of SDN and NFV proof-of-concept trials can advance network deployments, but they often fall short. Check out four steps that can make POC trials more meaningful.Continue Reading

• On-premises services and cloud compete at network edges

  As organizations are pushed to move services from on premises to the cloud, the focus shifts to network edges.Continue Reading

• LAN SDN management looks to the cloud and causes LAN ghost towns

  Future campus LAN SDN management will be needed to deal with LAN applications that have migrated to the cloud, creating on-premises network ghost towns.Continue Reading

• BGP routing joining OpenFlow in software-defined networks

  Border Gateway Protocol is an internet essential, and BGP routing may be taking on a bigger role in software-defined networking, displacing OpenFlow to manage SDN packet flow.Continue Reading

• Laying the foundation for a virtualized network infrastructure

  SDN, NFV and VNF: Don't get bogged down with these hot-topic terms. In part one of this series, IT expert Andrew Froehlich discusses how and whether you should implement virtualized functions in your enterprise.Continue Reading

• A comprehensive review of network performance monitors

  Network performance monitors play a crucial role in today's data centers. In this guide, expert Andrew Froehlich helps you purchase the right monitoring foundation for your organization.Continue Reading

• Building SD-WAN architecture into your world

  SD-WAN architecture opened up a whole new world of WAN possibilities. Learn all about this new networking technology, the ways to craft an SD-WAN in your enterprise, key terms and more.Continue Reading

• Exploring the ins and outs of enterprise hardware pricing

  Cloud computing has changed how businesses buy technology. How does the age of SaaS affect enterprise hardware pricing?Continue Reading

• What to know about choosing a vCPE platform

  Service providers are opting for virtual CPE and its resulting benefits, but choosing the right vCPE platform is essential to get the most out of it.Continue Reading

• Why network operations efficiency should drive technology change

  If the systems responsible for network operations efficiency and automation were driving telecom technology upgrades, the savings might just pay for SDN and NFV deployments.Continue Reading

• How segment routing could be a boon to SDN

  Segment routing could prove to be a compelling alternative to OpenFlow, but more work needs to be done before it becomes a mainstream technology.Continue Reading

• The benefits of the 802.11ad standard shouldn't be overlooked

  The other WLAN standard, 802.11ad, will bring even more flexibility and opportunities to enterprises, but the specification also comes with some challenges.Continue Reading

• Comparing cable types: Fiber vs. copper twisted pair

  What's the difference in fiber vs. copper cables? Key differences include cost, speed and more when it comes to fiber optic and copper twisted-pair cabling options.Continue Reading

• CCIE exams: Still worth it?

  Jedadiah Casey had been studying for the CCIE exams for months when he found himself asking whether the certification is even relevant in the SDN era. His answer: Absolutely.Continue Reading

• ScienceLogic EM7: Network performance monitor overview

  ScienceLogic EM7 is still a newcomer to the network performance monitoring market, but it offers flexible deployment options, including VMs and software-as-a-service installations.Continue Reading

• Viavi Observer: Network performance monitor overview

  With deployable hardware and software probes, Viavi Observer is known as one of the most robust network performance monitors in the market today.Continue Reading

• Learn what metrics matter in a hybrid cloud delivery model

  Discovering the ins and outs of a hybrid cloud delivery model can be challenging. Fortunately, metrics may be able to help.Continue Reading

• Cisco network monitor product overview

  Cisco Prime has been on the network performance monitoring market for over five years. Networking expert Andrew Froehlich takes a deeper dive into the Cisco network monitor, Prime.Continue Reading

• Riverbed SteelCentral product overview

  Riverbed SteelCentral is one of the most prominent network performance monitoring systems on the market today. Networking expert Andrew Froehlich takes a deeper dive into its features.Continue Reading

• Infosim StableNet network monitoring product overview

  The Infosim StableNet network performance monitor offers a variety of features, including support for telecommunications providers and an embedded hardware agent.Continue Reading

• HPE Network Node Manager product overview

  HPE Network Node Manager comes with a wide range of plug-ins, including monitoring for IP telephony, multicast deployments and quality assurance departments.Continue Reading

• Types of network cables: An introduction to network cabling

  Different types of networking cables are the backbone of a network's infrastructure. Selecting the right type is critical, as enterprise network admins deploy new technologies.Continue Reading

• How to buy the best application delivery controller for your firm

  Application delivery controllers have advanced in ways that make ADCs more useful for a wider range of companies than ever before. This guide outlines what you need to know in order to buy the best application delivery controller for your company.Continue Reading

• What is the difference between bit rate and baud rate?

  Learn how to understand the difference between bit rate and baud rate in this expert answer.Continue Reading

• SolarWinds NPM product overview

  SolarWinds NPM system supports a wide range of features, among them data flow collection, server and application monitoring, and quality of service for enterprise VoIP suites.Continue Reading

• SevOne monitoring suite product overview

  SevOne monitoring products, such as the Performance Application Solution, scale to the environment size. The PAS appliance can monitor up to 200,000 network devices.Continue Reading

• How to choose the right next-gen network migration option

  Network operators planning next-generation network migrations need to choose from layered, geographic and service-oriented approaches, or a combo platter that meets their needs.Continue Reading

• High-speed wireless access: Fact or fiction?

  High-speed wireless access is all the rage, but one user cautions against buying into the 802.11ac hype. Yes, it's progress, but not as much as you might think.Continue Reading

• CA UIM network performance monitor: product overview

  CA Technologies' network performance monitoring products include CA UIM, which supports a variety of features, including network performance and availability management.Continue Reading

• NetScout TruView network performance monitor: Product overview

  NetScout's retooled TruView gives administrators oversight into myriad network operations, including public and private clouds.Continue Reading

• Making your business driver and technology coexist

  You may cringe when you hear the term 'business driver,' but understanding the technology component within that jargon will make your job easier.Continue Reading

• Comparing the top network performance tools on the market

  Choosing among network performance tools can be difficult. In this article, expert Andrew Froehlich breaks down the differences among the top products on the market.Continue Reading

• What system administrator responsibilities are paramount today?

  System administrator responsibilities are, fundamentally, about the care and feeding of systems but cover a broad range of possibilities when looking at a specific position.Continue Reading

• As technology changes, networking skills need to keep up

  Evolving technology demands that networking professionals stay up to speed on the latest advancements, especially those centered around software-based services.Continue Reading

• Physical network infrastructure to decrease in SDN virtual evolution

  Ethernet switches, Wi-Fi APs and routers may be the only physical network infrastructure you need in a virtual-, SDN- and cloud-based future, according to networking expert Craig Mathias.Continue Reading

• When will SD-WANs 'cross the chasm'?

  It can be difficult to separate hype from reality, especially when it comes to SDN technology. Here, analyst Jim Metzler explores when software-defined WANs might go mainstream.Continue Reading

• What duties are in the network manager job description?

  Get the inside scoop on a network manager's job description, workload and responsibilities which keep an organization's network infrastructure running smoothly.Continue Reading

• Hardware vs. Software: The role of hardware in a software age

  In this software age, is there any role left for hardware? In our three-part guide, our experts' response is a resounding, "yes." It may feel like this is the era of Continue Reading

• Network designs for dynamic route pacing

  The new generation of network devices means network designs based on dynamic routing. But there are pitfalls to keep in mind.Continue Reading

• Getting the best Ethernet networking for your enterprise

  Ethernet, the most widely used local area network data transmission technology, is a protocol in the TCP/IP stack. It touches both the physical layer (Layer 1) and the data-link layer (Layer 2) on the OSI network protocol model. Throughout the 33 ...Continue Reading

• Future network market vision emphasizes the edge

  Facing two network market truths, carriers must focus on metro networks with big pipes connecting cloud data centers at the edge to keep costs in line with incoming revenue.Continue Reading

• Network refresh: Look at your needs, not the name on the box

  In this Q&A, one networking pro shares why he and his team broke from their existing vendors during a network refresh and went with a new roster for their routers and switches.Continue Reading

• Jobs in networking: Enterprises vs. service providers

  It may not be the first question on your mind when evaluating job opportunities, but network engineers who have worked on both sides say there are distinct differences.Continue Reading

• As mobility grows, enterprises assess wireless-first designs

  Are you ready to kiss Ethernet cables goodbye? Find out what it takes to build and manage a network where wireless infrastructure rules the access layer.Continue Reading

• How do I choose an SDN certification or training program?

  Network engineer and SDN pro Will Murrell discusses how to choose the right SDN certification or training program, and what types of SDN courses are available.Continue Reading

• The business case for deploying network monitoring systems

  Network monitoring systems that focus on performance enhance network reliability and promote more efficient communication. What are some of the features you should be examining?Continue Reading

• 'If' and 'how' to make a WAN software-defined

  The wide area network is the latest aspect of IT to be transformed by the software-defined revolution. Do you need to make your WAN software-defined? And if the answer is "yes," how should you proceed? This three-part technical guide looks first at ...Continue Reading

• How to make your WAN architecture software-defined

  There's more than one way to make your WAN architecture software-defined. Learn three very different routes to achieving an SD-WAN.Continue Reading